Apparatus for and method of hair extension, hair thickening, and hair loss concealment

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for applying supplemental hair for the purpose of lengthening, thickening, and concealing hairloss, in which supplemental hair is applied with a series of partings in the wearer&#39;s natural hair and adhesive is applied to the exposed scalp. Said apparatus including grip handles, clamp arms, and clamp, are operable to allow open and close movement of clamp arms in which the secured supplemental hair is released and secured to the scalp with the application of adhesive/glue.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to methods of hair extension andreplacement processes, more particularly, the present invention is animproved and revolutionized method for applying/attaching hairextentions to the scalp of the wearer for the purpose of lengthening,thickening, and/or concealing thinning hair and hair loss in such a waythat is virtually undetected by sight or touch, and without damaging thewearer's natural hair.

2. Description of Prior Art

The application of “hair weave”, “hair extensions”, and “hair infusion”are common processes in the art, that improve the appearance of wearersirrespective of race, ethnic background, age, and gender. Theseprocesses/methods were designed to help the wearer achieve desiredhairstyles, give the illusion of a full mane, and to provide hair tothose who may not be able to grow it naturally, attempt achieve currenthairstyles and trends.

The prior inventions have ideally accomplished to their fullestcapacity, cosmetic assistance to those desiring or needing added hair.However, there are several setbacks and disadvantages to the priormethods and processes. For instance, hair that is wefted tends to bebulky in its finished style, and although there may be a definiteimprovement to the wearer's appearance, the overall style is unnaturallooking. This bulkiness can be contributed in part, to cornrows in whichwefted supplemental hair is either sewed directly onto individualcornrows, or glued to exposed scalp in between cornrows. In the eventcornrows are not used, bulkiness can be contributed to the overlappingwefts of hair that are glued to the parted sections on the scalp.

Such prior hair processes and methods using wefts are seen in U.S. Pat.No. 5,413,124, issued to Incando, U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,737, issued toNelson, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,636, issued to Vittallo. However, theseinventions are not designed to coincide with the amount of hair thatwould naturally grow from the wearer's scalp. Furthermore, themanufacturing and retailing of prior hair inventions provide a minimumvariety of textures, which create an even greater possibility of beingdetected when natural hair and supplemental hair don't match. Due totheir specifications in the hair weft design, hair movement is limitedto the construction of the hair strands on the weft.

Each of the prior hair inventions is limited to its own specific processin order to achieve a cosmetic transformation of the wearer, leavinglittle to no versatiliy in their application process. Therefore, inorder to achieve various hairstyles, the prior supplemental hair processof choice must be redone.

Another prior method, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,867, issued toBarrington is commonly referred to as “fusion” or “infusion”. Althoughthis process allows for a little more versatility in styling, theindividual bundles of glue and supplemental hair are tricky to hide andare often times exposed and easily seen. Also, hair movement is limitedby the bundles of bonded hair and glue.

Additionally, the prior inventions are commonly known for contributingto hair breakage, where the amount of hair added or attached tosectioned natural hair maybe too heavy for the natural hair to support.

Some of the undesirable results of current hair bonding agents are thatthey are thick and tar-like. They become sticky and gum-like as the hairweave ages. As a result, the weft separates from the track of glue onthe scalp, which is difficult to cammoflage and cumbersome in itsrespective nature of requiring “weave touch-ups”. These glues andadhesives are generally nonresistant to oils and moisturizers and becomeloosened upon contact. The continued absence of oils in ethnic hair,results in hair that is undesirably dry and brittle leading to damageand breakage, i.e. hair loss.

With prior inventions, shampooing almost always loosens cornrows, anddisturbs the adherance of of the glues and adhesives. As a result, thewefted tracks of hair are loosened from the scalp or cornrow.Consequently, these prior inventions tolerate little to no shampooing inorder to achieve the average amount of wearing time per weave of 4-6weeks.

Also, the removal of glue and supplemental hair of prior inventions issomewhat complex, and is usually damaging to the natural hair. Itinvolves the application of an oil based moisturizer and combing throughthe hair from the roots with a fine-toothed comb. Leading to thedevestating results of breakage and hair pulled out of the scalp.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This is an invention of processing and manufacturing supplemental hairthat is not bound by a weft, but instead by an apparatus that onceremoved, allows hair maximum movement. Based on the manufacturingtechnique of this invention, hair is not undesirably bulky and puffy atthe scalp area. This invention is manufactured so that each extensionjob can be tailored to meet the needs and desires of the individualwearer.

The specific process and method designed for this invention allows hairextensions to appear as hair grown from the scalp. Therefore, as littleor as much hair desired can be attached to the scalp withoutcompromising the natural appearance of the hair. Hair application ofthis invention succeeds in providing limitless application patterns.This invention allows for hair to be attached in any way desired toachieve any affect desired, i.e., attached according to natural growthpattern, or attached the way it is most often worn. This inventionrequires no cornrows, which gives a more natural appearance at the scalparea and decreases the potential for unwanted bulkiness. This inventionis only limited to the knowledge and or creativity of the hairstylistand/or the wearer. It is also designed as a complete hair system, whichis comprised of the hair and apparatus, adhesive/glue, solvent, andshampoo. There are maximum benefits from this invention that are notoffered by any of the prior inventions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus andmethod of attaching supplemental hair to the scalp of the wearer that isnatural looking and virtually undetected by sight or touch.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method of applying supplemental hair that is not wefted.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method of applying supplemental hair that coorelates to the needsand desires of each individual wearer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method of applying supplemental hair that is applied without the useof cornrows.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method of applying supplemental hair that is not undesireably bulky.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method of applying supplemental hair that allows for the maximumversatility in its application.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method of applying supplemental hair that is resistant to oils.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method of applying supplemental hair that is resistant to shampoosand conditioners.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method of applying supplemental hair that provides the most varietyin hair textures.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method of applying supplemental hair that provides the most levelsof hair color.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method of applying supplemental hair that provides natural lookinghighlights without dying the wearer's natural hair.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method of applying supplemental hair that is nondamaging to thewearer's natural hair.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method of applying supplemental hair that has its own system forremoval, which consists of an adhesive/glue solvent followed by ashampoo.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective elevation of the present invention referred toas an applique, showing supplemental hair that is bent to a flat creaseover one side of the apparatus without shownig the loose ends of thesupplemental hair. It also shows the parts of the apparatus that aremanipulated during the application, i.e. the grip handles, the clamp,the clamp grip/handle, and the clamp arms encasing the supplemental hairthat is creased.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clamp mechanism of the presentinvention which when pinched releases the supplemental hair.

FIG. 3 is a perspective elevated view of the present invention opened,exposing supplemental hair showing the hair ends attached to theapparatus creased over the free edge and the loose ends of thesupplemental hair.

FIG. 4 is an elevation of the rear of the wearer's head with naturalhair only, showing hair combed in desired style before application ofthe present invention (apparatus and method).

FIG. 5 is an elevation of the rear of the wearer's head without hair,showing a perimeter (which is a parting parallel to the wearer's naturalhairline in which parted hair is combed down and away from the naturalhair that will incorporate the supplemental hair). It shows a basicparting method and placement of adhesive/glue which also denotes wheresupplemental hair will be placed.

FIG. 6 is a rear elevation the wearer's natural hair with a designatedperimeter shown in the nape area of the wearer's natural hair. (Forillustrative purposes the perimeter hair is not shown.) The firstparting in the natural hair is made, the hair from that parting iscombed down exposing the scalp, the adhesive/glue bottle is shown todemonstrate the placement of the adhesive/glue, and excess natural hairis pinned at top of crown.

FIG. 7 is a rear elevation of the wearer's natural hair with adesignated perimeter (without “perimeter hair” shown). The first partingin the nape is made, the hair from the parting is combed downwardexposing the scalp, the adhesive/glue is applied, supplemental hair isadhered to adhesive/glue, and excess natural hair is pinned at top ofcrown.

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation of the wearer's natural hair with adesignated perimeter, and two completed rows of supplemental hairadhered to wearer's scalp with excess natural hair pinned at top ofwearer's head.

FIG. 9 is a rear elevation of the wearer's natural hair with adesignated perimeter and five completed rows of supplemental hairadhered to wearer's scalp with excess natural hair pinned at top ofwearer's head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as abasis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. Althoughthose of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize manyalternative embodiments, especially in light of the illustrationsprovided herein, this detailed description is exemplary of the preferredembodiment of the present invention, the scope of which is limited onlyby the claims appended hereto.

The said apparatus for hair extension, hair thickening, and hairloss, iscomprised of a flexible material that can be manipulated to conform tothe scalp and the partings 10 on the scalp. Yet durable in it's design,the present invention securely contains supplemental hair 11 until it isintentionally released. The apparatus has two grip handles 1 and a clamp2 that is connected to one of the grip handles 1 with a rivet 6. Theclamp 2 and grip handle 1 opens the clamp arms 3 of the apparatus whenpinched together. The spring 5 encompasses the rivet 6, which provides anecessary resistance to opening, thereby securing the supplemental hair11 between the clamp arms 3 until the clamp 2 and grip handle 1 arepinched open. The clamp 2 and grip handles 1 comprise a patternedtextured surface, which prevents the apparatus from slipping from thehands of the stylist while being manipulated. The clamp arms 3 are linedwith rubber-like material, which prevents the supplemental hair strands11 from slipping from the grip of the clamp arms 3 before it has beenplaced on the scalp. The clamp arms 3 are aligned for the purpose ofsecuring the supplemental hair 11, with the exception of the free edge 4of the clamp arm 3 in which the supplemental hair 11 is creased. Theclamp arm 3 in which the supplemental hair 11 is creased, extends to aflat point which supports the crease of the supplemental hair 11, andprovides precision in supplemental hair 11 placement.

Referring to FIG. 1 is the apparatus of the present invention which iscalled an applique. In FIG. 1 the grip handles 1 are used to manipulatethe application placement of the supplemental hair 11 to the adhesive onthe wearer's scalp 8. Shown also here in FIG. 1 is the clamp 2, whichwhen pinched together with the clamp grip handle 1, opens the clamp arms3 and the supplemental hair 11 is released.

FIG. 2 shows the clamp mechanism of the apparatus, which is the clamp 2,the clamp grip handle 1, the spring 5, and the rivet 6, which isencompassed in the spring 5.

FIG. 3 exemplifies an open applique showing exposed supplemental hair11. It can be viewed from FIG. 3, that the supplemental hair 11 iscreased along the top free edge 4 of the clamp arm 3 (one). This createsunlimited versatility in the application process of the presentinvention. The indicated crease 4 is the part of the supplemental hair11 that is placed directly onto the adhesive on the scalp 8. The portionof the supplemental hair 11 that is creased 4 over the clamp arm 3 (one)is short and inconpicuous when applied to the scalp 8. It is importantto note in the manufacutured design of the applique that thesupplemental hair strands 11 are placed on the clamp arm 3 (one)parallel to, but not overlapping other supplemental hair strands 11 onthe applique clamp arm 3 (one). Allowing each wearer's supplemental hair11 application to be tailored to their own natural hair 7 density andallowing unrestricted creativity for any desired style.

FIG. 4 shows the rear of the wearer's head exposing the wearer's naturalhair 7.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammical view (without the wearer's natural hair 7) of abasic adhesive/glue placement pattern 8 for applying supplemental hair11 of the present invention. It is used for illustrative purposes todescribe the method's design, and is in no way limiting the hair stylistor the wearer to one pattern of application. The dotted line in FIG. 5denotes the perimeter 9 of hair, which is sectioned away from the hair 7that will incorporate supplemental hair 11. This perimeter 9 preventsexposure of where the supplemental hair 11 is adhered to the scalp 8.The amount of hair 7 sectioned away to create a perimeter 9 isdetermined by the stylist and the wearer. Hairlines are unique to theindividual, therefore, no specific determined amount of hair 7 can bedesignated for a perimeter 9. Generally the hair stylist and the wearershould determine the amount of hair 7 sectioned for the perimeter 9according to the finished results desired.

The solid line drawn on the head of the wearer in FIG. 5 denotes theparting 10 on the scalp in which the natural hair 7 is sectioned andcombed according to the parting 10. Here, the partings 10 are horizontalfrom left to right, extending from the direction of one ear to theother, and the natural 7 hair will be combed straight down.

The broken solid line drawn on the head of the wearer in FIG. 5 denotesthe application of the adhesive/glue 8. It is important to note themethod of how the adhesive 8 is applied in a brick layer pattern. Thisintentional adhesive application 8 method was designed so that theappliques can be maticulously placed, allowing the wearer versatility inhair styles worn from one completed application of supplemental hair 11,allowing the use multiple partings 10 for sectioning purposes, and sothat the addition of the supplemental hair 11 is not undesireablyunnatural looking, bulky, or thick.

Viewing FIG. 6 shows the perimeter 9, the first section of natural hair7 parted 10 and combed downward, and the application of adhesive 8 usingthe adhesive glue bottle 13.

FIG. 7 shows the perimeter 9 and the first row completed application ofsupplemental hair 11 adhered to the scalp 8 of the wearer.

FIG. 8 shows the perimeter 9 and two rows completed application ofsupplemental hair 11 adhered to the scalp 8 of the wearer. It isimportant to know that the number of partings 10 made on the wearer'sscalp to incorporate the suppplemental hair 11 is dictated by the needs,desires, and goals of the hair stylist and the wearer. If the desire isto add supplemental hair 11 that produces length but not unnnaturalfullness, then adding fewer partings in the wearer's natural hair 7should be considered, thus providing the application of lesssupplemental hair 11. If the desire is to add supplemental hair 11 thatproduces fullness/thickness or fullness/thickness and length, then morepartings 10 in the wearer's natural hair 7 should be considered, thusproviding the application of more supplemental hair 11.

FIG. 9 shows the perimeter 9 and five rows completed application ofsupplemental hair 11 adhered to the scalp 8 of the wearer.

Examples of the application method of the present invention is offeredhere referring to the drawings, to further describe its intended use andpurpose: First the wearer's hair 7 is thoroughly shampooed and rinsed.The final hair style is determined and the natural hair 7 is dried. (Forbest results the natural hair 7 should be dried in the direction of thefinished style, as in FIG. 4.) The perimeter 9 is determined and combedaway from the excess natural hair 7 as in FIG. 6. Proceed by making ahorizontal parting 10 from left to right, comb the natural hair 7 downexposing the scalp, pin 12 excess natural hair 7 to top of wearer'shead, and apply the adhesive 8 on the scalp as in FIG. 6. (Adhesiveapplication 8 should coincide with the size of the applique.) Apply theapplique with the crease 4 of the supplemental hair contacting theadhesive 8. Adhesive 8 dries in seconds, however, a hand held blow dryerwith low speed airflow may be used to lessen the drying time. On thesame scalp parting 10, subsequent appliques are added leaving a space ofno more than one inch, until parting 10 is completed with supplementalhair 11 applications as in FIG. 7. The actual amount of space utilized,will be dictated by the density of the wearer's natural hair 7 and thedesired finished style. While it is important to maintain a definitespace between appliques on the same parting 10 in order to obtain themaximum benefits of the present invention, no space between appliquesmay be used. It should be noted that in determining the amount of spaceused between appliques, the determined amount of space should beconsistent throughout the supplemental hair 11 application service. Thiswill ensure that the amount of supplemental hair 11 added, will bebalanced throughout the wearer's entire head. To release thesupplemental hair 11 from the said apparatus, simply pinch the clamp 2with the thumb and forefinger while silmultaneously holding the griphandles 1, thereby opening the clamp arms 3 and leaving the adhered 8supplemental hair 11 in place on the wearer's scalp as in FIG. 3.(Supplemental hair 11 should be released after each application.)Continue with supplemental hair 11 application as in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9until all subsequent rows are completed. When hair application 11service is completed, it can then be styled as desired.

1. An apparatus for applying supplemental hair to the scalp of thewearer comprising: two grip handles, two clamp arms, and a clampoperable to open and close said apparatus to release supplemental hair.2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: each said grip handle comprises anon-slip surface.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: each grip handleis utilized to hold and manipulate said apparatus into position.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein: said clamp arms are mechanically attached.5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said clamp arms securely containsupplemental hair between them.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:supplemental hair strands are positioned flat, not overlapping, but areparallel to each other on clamp arm one of claim
 5. 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein: supplemental hair strands are held in place with clamparm two of claim
 5. 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said clamp armsare flexible to comform to the contour of the partings on the scalp ofthe wearer.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 whererin: said clamp comprises arivet, which is the pivotable component of claim 4, allowing the abilityto open and close.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said clampcomprises a spring encompassing claim 9 enabling and supporting claim 9.11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the amount of supplemental hairstrands are contigent upon the size of the said apparatus.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein: the plurality of supplemental hair strandshave a first end and a second end.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:the first end of the plurality of supplemental hair strands are creasedover the free edge of claim
 6. 14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: thesupplemental hair strands of claim 13 are creased 180 degrees.
 15. Amethod of hair extension comprising the steps of: a. determining thefinal hairstyle b. parting natural hair to compliment final hairstyle b(1). partings of natural hair coincide with natrual hair density therebyenhancing length added c. exposing the scalp of the wearer d. applyingadhesive on exposed scalp d (1). application of adhesive should coincidewith the size of said apparatus in claim 1 e. placing the supplementalhair of claim 13 on the applied adhesive f. allowing adhesive to dry f(1). or speeding the drying time with a low speed airflow hand held blowdryer g. opening apparatus of claim 1 to release supplemental hair bypinching the clamp of claim 9 with the thumb and forefinger.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, futher comprising the step of shampooing thewearer's natural hair prior to determining final hairstyle.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising the step of thoroughly dryingnatural hair into position of desired final hairstyle prior to 15 b. 18.A method of thickening a wearer's natural hair with supplemental haircomprising the steps of: a. determining the final hairstyle b. partingnatural hair to compliment final hairstyle b (1). parting natural hairto enhance natural hair density, thereby adding thickness to thewearer's natural hair b (2). increasing the number of partings increasesthe amount of supplemental hair added to the wearer's natural hair c.exposing the scalp of the wearer d. applying adhesive on expose scalp d(1). application of adhesive should coincide with the size of saidapparatus in claim 1 e. placing the supplemental hair of claim 13 on theapplied adhesive f. allowing adhesive to dry f (1). or speeding thedrying time with low speed airflow from a hand held blow dryer g.opening apparatus of claim 1 to release supplemental hair by pinchingthe clamp of claim 9 with the thumb and forefinger.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, futher comprising the step of shampooing the wearer's naturalhair prior to determining final hairstyle.
 20. The method of claim 18,further comprising the step of thoroughly drying natural hair intoposition of desired final hairstyle prior to 18 b.
 21. A method ofconcealing hair losss with supplemental hair comprising steps of: a.determining the final hairstyle b. sectioning wearer's natural hair intozones comprising no hairloss zone and hairloss zone c. parting naturalhair in no hairloss zone so that supplemental hair applied will coincidewith the wearer's natural hair density d. exposing the scalp of thewearer e. applying adhesive on exposed scalp e (1). application ofadhesive should coincide with the size of said apparatus in claim 1 f.placing the supplemental hair of claim 13 on the applied adhesive g.allowing adhesive to dry g (1). or speeding the drying time with lowspeed airflow from a hand held blow dryer h. opening apparatus of claim1 to release supplemental hair by pinching the clamp of claim 9 with thethumb and forefinger. i. parting natural hair in hairloss zone toenhance natural hair density thereby adding thickness to the wearer'snatural hair i (1). increasing the number of partings increases theamount of supplemental hair added to the wearer's natural hair j.exposing the scalp of the wearer k. applying adhesive on exposed scalp k(1). application of adhesive should coincide with the size of saidapparatus in claim 1 l. placing the supplemental hair of claim 13 on theapplied adhesive m. allowing adhesive to dry m (1). or speeding thedrying time with a low airflow from a hand held blow dryer n. openingapparatus of claim 1 to release supplemental hair by pinching the clampof claim 9 with the thumb and forefinger
 22. The method of claim 21,further comprising the step of shampooing the wearer's natural hairprior to determine final hairstyle.
 23. The method of claim 21, furthercomprising the step of thoroughly drying the wearer's natural hair intoposition of desired final hairstyle prior to 21 b.
 24. The method ofclaim 21, further comprising the step of balancing entire supplementalhair application so that hair density is even throughout wearer's head.